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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260704T100000
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SUMMARY:Independence Day Celebration
DESCRIPTION:Thomas Jefferson held July 4th as “the only birthday I ever commemorate…” Bring your family and friends out to Poplar Forest\, his Bedford County retreat\, to celebrate the 249th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in historic style. Enjoy colonial-style entertainment\, demonstrations by colonial artisans and craftspeople\, archaeological displays\, old-fashioned children’s activities\, a reading of the Declaration of Independence at 1:30 p.m. and more! \nTickets are $15/person ages 16+\, under 16 are free. House Tours available for a reduced rate of $10 ages 18+\, $7/ages 6-17\, and free under 6. House Tour tickets are available day-of only on a first come\, first served basis.  \nClick here for tickets. 
URL:https://destinationbedfordva.com/event/independence-day-celebration-4/
LOCATION:Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest\, 687 Poplar Forest Dr.\, Forest\, VA\, 24551\, United States
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260815T073000
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SUMMARY:Face the Forest 5K
DESCRIPTION:Join Poplar Forest for the annual Face the Forest Obstacle Course 5K! Challenge yourself to beat the clock as you take on a 3.1-mile obstacle race through the grounds of Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest plantation\, encountering obstacles (and some mud) along the way! Entry fees will support children’s educational programming at Poplar Forest. The competition is open to families and teams of all ages.
URL:https://destinationbedfordva.com/event/face-the-forest-5k-2/
LOCATION:Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest\, 687 Poplar Forest Dr.\, Forest\, VA\, 24551\, United States
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260910T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260910T170000
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SUMMARY:Exploring the Legacy of America's Founding Document
DESCRIPTION:This year marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. As part of VA250\, Poplar Forest will host a conversation on the legacy of Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence. Local students and guest moderators have been invited to participate in a panel discussion based on the results of personal research projects. Join us for a multigenerational program featuring lauded historians and authors\, Dr. John Ragosta and Dr. Frank Cogliano\, as we discuss the lasting impact of America’s founding document. \nDr. John Ragosta is a historian\, lawyer\, and beekeeper living in Charlottesville\, Virginia. His most recent book\, For the People\, For the Country: Patrick Henry’s Final Political Battle\, was released by the University of Virginia Press in 2023. A fellow at Virginia Humanities\, Ragosta is former historian at the Robert H. Smith International Center for Jefferson Studies (ICJS) at Monticello where he also served successfully as interim director of the Center. \nDr. Frank Cogliano is a specialist in the history of the American Revolution and the early United States. He is the author or editor of twelve books including\, Thomas Jefferson Survives: American Independence in His Time and Ours (with Peter S. Onuf) which will be published in 2026.  Dr. Frank Cogliano is Professor of American History at the University of Edinburgh.
URL:https://destinationbedfordva.com/event/exploring-the-legacy-of-americas-founding-document/
LOCATION:Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest\, 687 Poplar Forest Dr.\, Forest\, VA\, 24551\, United States
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260912T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260912T150000
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SUMMARY:Roots and Reconnection Festival
DESCRIPTION:Join the Poplar Forest’s African American Advisory Group\, interpretation and archaeology staff\, and the Board of Directors for the Roots and Reconnection Festival\, a special event to honor\, celebrate\, and educate about the life\, culture\, and history of the enslaved Africans who lived and worked on the plantation\, as well as the culture and life of African Americans today. This festival highlights the profound connection between the past and the present\, providing a unique opportunity to reflect on and celebrate our rich heritage. \nWhat to Expect: \n\nMusic and Dance: Enjoy vibrant musical and dance performances showcasing the talent and creativity of the African American community.\nExhibits and Tours: Explore informative exhibits and participate in tours that offer deep insights into plantation life and the evolution of African American culture.\nFood and Celebration: Savor a variety of food while celebrating the rich culture of African Americans.\nConversations: Engage in meaningful conversations that promote understanding and appreciation of our shared history and its impact on the present.\n\n  \nAdmission to the Roots and Reconnection Festival is free and open to the public. Food vendors will be onsite selling lunch throughout the day.
URL:https://destinationbedfordva.com/event/roots-and-reconnection-festival/
LOCATION:Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest\, 687 Poplar Forest Dr.\, Forest\, VA\, 24551\, United States
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260924T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260924T200000
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SUMMARY:Jefferson's Curiosities
DESCRIPTION:About the Series: Thomas Jefferson was a man of many varied interests. Join us at Jefferson’s “best dwelling house in the state” as we delve into topics he found particularly fascinating from travel to culinary\, leadership to religion. Each talk in the series includes a wine and cheese reception following the presentation. \nTickets are $25/each or $100 for all five Curiosities Series talks \n2026 Jefferson’s Curiosities Series Events: \n\n\nJefferson’s Travel through the Germanies (Travis McDonald): February 19\, 2026 6:30 p.m. \n\nWhat Made Jefferson a Great Leader? (Dr. John Ragosta): March 26\, 2026 6:30 p.m.\nJefferson and Trist’s Wild Mississippi Scheme (Karen Chase): May 7\, 2026 6:30 p.m.\nJefferson’s Curiosities: Hearth Cooking (Rachel Deddens): June 11\, 2026 6:30 p.m.\nJefferson & Religion (Nathan Taylor): September 24\, 2026 6:30 p.m.
URL:https://destinationbedfordva.com/event/jeffersons-curiosities/2026-09-24/
LOCATION:Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest\, 687 Poplar Forest Dr.\, Forest\, VA\, 24551\, United States
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